A New Paradigm for Building Enclosure Delivery, Performance, and Durability   

The design complexity and means of achievement associated with delivering a high performance building enclosure has increasingly become more difficult to manage and execute. It is generally accepted that the building enclosure is the primary source of risk for claims and litigation on new construction. During this discussion, we will introduce a new mechanism for dealing with and solving the puzzle of this new reality from the perspective of a building enclosure specialty and an innovative exterior envelope contractor. The conversation will then move into a panel discussion featuring a Building Enclosure Façade Specialist, a Building Enclosure Contractor and a Legal Expert. 

 Ujjval Vyas, Ph.D., J.D is an independent business consultant, scholar, entrepreneur, and Principal of Alberti Group. Dr. Vyas has lectured and published extensively in the AEC arena,  focusing on legal and public policy issues associated with green building rating systems, high-performance buildings, and building specifications. He holds two US patents and is a licensed attorney. He taught architectural history, theory, and design at the graduate and undergraduate levels. He received his J.D. with honors from the Chicago-Kent  College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago's Interdisciplinary Committee on the History of Culture, and was the founder of the Fiduciary Duty Initiative for Architecture,  Engineering and Construction. 

 Cory Robbins is the current President of CSI Philadelphia and is an established presenter for over a decade and works for EDA Contractors, the innovators of the EDA Envelope. HIs single focus is to become the spearhead of a movement in the construction industry where installers and architects alike are responsible/liable for the work they create. Therefore, raising workmanship and motivation to perform work right the first time. Personally, Cory is a devoted husband and father of two, and a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. 

Christopher Dixon recently joined Morrison Hershfield as a Façade Specialist with expertise in building science, building materials, and building enclosure. He is a registered architect with more than 25 years' experience in the design/construction industry and is a CSI Certified Construction Specifier. Chris has worked on a variety of projects ranging in size, scope, type and complexity and includes high-rises, hospitals, multi-family residential, condominiums, office buildings, and hospitality. He is passionate about sustainable design and has been a LEED Accredited Professional since 2001. Chris is an experienced, knowledgeable, and articulate speaker, and has authored over 80 articles in various industry publications. 

This presentation is pending approval for 1 hour of AIA continuing education credits.